Assam govt to provide new textbooks to flood-hit students

Living with floods: Provisions for boats and houses on stilts/platforms may be part of public awareness in flood-prone areas.

"All district administrations have been provided enough funds ahead of the floods and instructions issued to distribute relief generously in all affected areas", finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The death toll in Assam floods mounted to 59 even though the overall situation showed signs of improvement.Seven deaths were reported from across the state in last 24 hours, pushing the toll to 59.

Besides, 52 per cent of the Kaziranga National Park remained under water on Saturday, which has also affected 93 anti-poaching camps in Agaratoli, Kohora, Bagori, Burhapahar and Biswanathghat range of the park.

"To get the benefit, the students have been asked to submit their requirement of new textbooks to respective heads of the schools by July 25 and the same will be forwarded to the district officials by the schools by July 30 and the new textbooks would be provided by the end of August", Sarma said.

UAE wants worldwide monitoring of QatarHowever, Sheikh Mohammed stressed that such a mission will need collaboration between regional countries. Despite the blockade by the four Arab countries, life has not been impacted significantly in Qatar.

The NFR has also deputed doctors and medical staff with materials to flood-affected North Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts of Assam. We have also appealed to the private sector to hold health camps in the flood-hit areas,  he said, adding the Veterinary Department has also been asked to step up relief for animals. "We had provided relief money to the district deputy commissioners before the floods this year and we can provide money as sought by them".

Across the state, 10,99,141 animals and poultry have been affected by the flood waters, the agency said.

The minister further said that as per a report till 10 this morning, 71 bridges have been damaged and 12 embankments breached in the floods.

The government has distributed rice, dal, salt and mustard oil among the flood victims, the ASDMA said. The materials are not reaching these people,  he admitted.